Thailand could become the first country in South East Asia to legalise civil partnerships, with the introduction of a landmark bill that could give same-sex couples the same legal rights as married heterosexual couples. The proposed law would enable them to register as “life partners”. It is being drafted by a subcommittee of Thailand’s Justice Ministry that is scheduled to convene on 4 May, before the Justice Minister presents the final draft to the cabinet for approval. Ratthanan Prapairat, 38, who has been with his male partner for over 20 years, was hopeful that the law would pass.